AI Generated

On September 19, 2025, the music world fell silent. Zubeen Garg—Assam’s beloved son, Bollywood’s soulful voice, and one of India’s most versatile artists—passed away in a tragic scuba diving accident in Singapore. His death at age 52 sent shockwaves across the nation, leaving behind a legacy that will echo through generations.

Early Life: Born to Be a Melody

Zubeen Garg was born as Zubeen Borthakur on November 18, 1972, in Tura, Meghalaya. Raised in Jorhat, Assam, he grew up in a family steeped in music and literature. His father, Mohini Mohon Borthakur, was a magistrate and poet, while his mother, Ily Borthakur, was a singer and his first music teacher.

    Named after the legendary conductor Zubin Mehta, Zubeen’s destiny was always intertwined with music. He later adopted the surname “Garg” from his Brahmin gotra, crafting a unique identity that blended global inspiration with Assamese tradition.

Musical Breakthrough: The Rise of a Star

Zubeen’s journey began with his Assamese album Anamika in 1992, which became an instant hit. His voice—raw, emotive, and modern—resonated deeply with the youth of Assam. He soon became a household name in the region.

His national breakthrough came in 2006 with the hauntingly beautiful Ya Ali from the Bollywood film Gangster. The song catapulted him to pan-Indian fame, showcasing his ability to blend Sufi soul with contemporary pop. It remains one of the most iconic tracks of the decade.

A Multilingual Maestro

Zubeen was not just a singer—he was a phenomenon. He recorded thousands of songs in over 40 languages, including Assamese, Hindi, Bengali, Bodo, Nepali, Tamil, and Bhojpuri. His versatility spanned genres from Indian folk and classical to rock and blues.

He was also a composer, lyricist, actor, director, and producer. His contributions to Assamese cinema were immense, both on and off screen. He was known for his bohemian spirit, outspoken views, and deep love for football and social causes.

The Final Note: A Tragic Farewell

While attending the North East India Festival in Singapore as a cultural ambassador, Zubeen went scuba diving and experienced breathing difficulties. Despite immediate CPR and hospitalization, he was declared dead in the ICU at 2:30 PM IST.

His death certificate confirmed drowning as the cause. The Assam government arranged a state funeral, and his mortal remains were brought back to Guwahati. On September 23, he will be cremated at Kamarkuchi village with full state honours.

Lakhs of fans flooded the streets to bid farewell, singing his songs and holding placards. The gathering was so massive it entered the Limca Book of Records as one of the largest funeral congregations globally.

Legacy: The Voice That Lives On

Zubeen Garg was more than a musician—he was the heartbeat of Assam. His songs spoke of love, rebellion, identity, and hope. He gave voice to the voiceless and pride to a region often overlooked.

His wife, Garima Saikia Garg, stood by him through his whirlwind journey. His sister Jonkey Borthakur, also a singer and actress, tragically passed away in 2002—a loss that deeply shaped Zubeen’s emotional depth.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his tribute, “He will be remembered for his rich contribution to music. His renditions were very popular among people across all walks of life”.

Closing Tribute:

From Ya Ali to Mayabini Ratir Bukut, Zubeen Garg’s voice was not just heard—it was felt. His music will continue to play in the hearts of millions, reminding us that true artists never die. They simply become eternal.

Zubeen da, your song may have ended, but your melody will never fade.

-        Team Yuva Aaveg

       Praveen Kumar Maurya 

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